The current owner purchased this home in 1994 for $5,500. It had been in been in poor condition, but a lightning strike coupled with a tragic fire did further damage. After the fire, the structure was left open to the elements for an extended period, and it was finally slated for demolition. To rehabilitate, the owner had to work with the Urban Rehabilitation Standards Board, which delayed permits for six months. The board eventually issued permits with a deadline for completion and a penalty of $500 per day for overage. In the end, only some of the foundation, about 200 square feet of flooring, and a small exterior wall were salvaged from the original structure. The neighborhood gave the house the “Nicest Renovation” award at the celebration for the tenth anniversary of the Kings Highway Conservation District.

The rebuild included a larger footprint, with a 35-square-foot notch in the side of the house to accommodate an existing cedar tree. Unfortunately, the cedar tree came down in a storm about a decade ago.

In 2013, the house underwent a major remodel that included expansion of the kitchen by removal of the notch for the tree. All of the original foundation was replaced. Walls were moved for better flow and sight lines. The kitchen and bathrooms were gutted and redone. New floors, siding, decks, and front porch were installed. The home contains a recycling project--the Griffin corbels in the living room, the top half of the pantry in the kitchen, and the vanity in the powder room were all salvaged from a single buffet. The hidden closet in the dining room is inspired by one seen on a previous tour of homes. The birds on the ceiling in the kitchen are wallpaper. The living room and master bedroom have vaulted ceilings with molding installed by the owner.

Most of the rooms include at least one item found in the original structure. Many of the furnishings were acquired from family, friends, and through the owner’s travels. Much of the art is local, coming from Bishop Arts.

The trees are all that remain of the original yard. The yard was designed to include very little grass to reduce maintenance and water consumption.

The Hansel and Gretel shed in the back yard has cedar siding and three stained glass windows. It served as the inspiration for the changes in the remodel of the exterior of the home.